As the sun sets, Manila’s vibrant nightlife springs to life. If you’re wondering where to go and what to do at night in Manila, whether with friends or going solo, here’s a guide to help you navigate Manila’s nightlife.
1. View the Skyline and the City Lights at a Rooftop Bar
Seeing the city lights from above is an essential experience when traveling to any huge city. Fortunately, Manila boasts an array of rooftop bars where you can get a good 360-degree view of the skyline, each catering to different budgets and preferences. Some of the most popular spots include the Firefly Roofdeck at City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati, Straight Up Bar at Seda Hotel BGC in Taguig, Sky High Bar at Ace Hotel in Pasig, The Penthouse 8747 at Lepanto Building in Makati, VU’s Sky Bar and Lounge at Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, and Antidote at I’M Hotel in Makati.
2. Watch a Drag Show
For a colorful and entertaining night out, Manila’s drag scene has you covered. Drag clubs keep their doors open until the wee hours, hosting performances by talented local drag queens. Some of the best queer venues include O’Bar Philippines in Ortigas, Nectar Nightclub in BGC Taguig, Rapture Cafe Bar in Cubao Quezon City, and SpectRoom Manila in Cubao Quezon City.
3. Visit a Food Park
Late-night cravings? Manila’s food parks are a diverse culinary haven. With options ranging from Filipino classics and street food to international delights like Korean, Thai, Malaysian, Arabic, and Western cuisines, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. Some of the late-night hotspots include Greenfield District Food Park and Food Truck Fest in Ortigas, Mercato Centrale Food Bazaar at BGC Taguig, Le Village Lifestyle Park and Sagul Malingap Food Park in Quezon City, Buendia Food by the Court in Makati, and Arca Yard Food Park in Valenzuela.
4. Stroll or Jog in Public Parks
Although there aren’t many public parks in Metro Manila, there are some great places to enjoy the outdoors at night. You can visit popular spots like the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City, Washington SyCip Park in Makati, Marikina River Park in Marikina City, Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Circuit Makati and Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, and Filinvest City Alabang in Muntinlupa City for a leisurely evening walk or jog.
5. Relax with a Late-Night Massage
Unwind from the day’s activities with a soothing massage. The Philippines is known for its hospitality, and its spas reflect that welcoming spirit. While there are numerous spas across Metro Manila, a select few remain open late. Consider 24-hour spas such as New Lasema Spa Jjimjilbang in Makati, Jjimjbang Hotel and Spa in Manila, TPE Taipei Spa in Pasay and Makati, Yatai Spa in Pasay, and Golden Age Health Spa in Parañaque for a late-night relaxation session.
6. Party at a Club
Manila’s vibrant nightlife wouldn’t be complete without partying at a club. The Palace complex at BGC is one of the hottest hubs, featuring bars like Revel, Clubhouse, and The Island. Cove Manila at Okada, The Bolt Hole in Makati, and G-Side in Quezon City are also popular choices for those looking to dance the night away.
7. Drive Around the City
With traffic subsiding at night, exploring Metro Manila by car becomes a more pleasant experience. Iconic spots like Roxas Boulevard for a good view of Manila Bay, Intramuros for its historic charm, Timberland Heights in Rizal for a scenic mountain view of the city, UP Diliman for lush greenery and expansive university grounds, and Bonifacio Global City for upscale urban scenery offer a variety of routes for an evening drive.
Ron Lao is an engineering graduate with a passion for writing informative content and exploring new places, cultures, and food. He loves science, cats, badminton, and anything wellness-related.
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